I think he’s one of those guys that if you’re from the Coventry area and of a certain generation you’ve almost certainly heard of him and quite possibly know someone who knows him or know him yourself. I was put on to him by a lad I used to work with in Coventry who knew him personally as he’d worked with him (day job, not working the doors). He always spoke highly of him.
I read Watch My Back…slightly before my time but still familiar so a good read.
IIRC There’s a load of pictures in the middle which I showed to my old man. He instantly recognised one of the blokes in there -one of the toughest bouncers according to Geoff Thompson - as being someone he chatted to down Cov baths/Livi gym on occasions. Said he was a really nice bloke…but then you would wouldn’t you!
One of the most violent books I have ever read but a very interesting charactor, great read. I actually witnessed one of his "fights" at the Devonshire arms when he thought he had really hurt the guy. I remember the girl in the wheel chair giving him some stick when he came in from outside.
He sits and has a coffee in Costa up by TGI’s pretty regularly and seen him in there numerous times when grabbing a coffee. (Never sits with his back to the door and always has a clear view of who is coming in and out).
My Missus’ cousin did the door with him and trained with him for a while and he can’t speak highly enough of him and you have to give him enormous credit for what he has achieved in his life. Particularly after being abused as a child and then having the life on the doors that he did.
His daughter worker behind the bar in the Devon for a while when Paul Owen had it and her fella also did the door there for a bit so he also came in there from time to time.
As Tony says most people of a certain age will either know him or know of him.